ECOWAS and WAEMU prepare for West African Festival of Arts and Culture

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and the West African Economic and Monetary Union (WAEMU) are convening a meeting from May 8 to 10, 2024, in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire. The gathering will bring together members of the Regional Organising Committee for the West African Festival of Arts and Culture (ECOFEST). The purpose of this meeting is to discuss preparations for ECOFEST, slated for September 21 to 28, 2024, and finalise plans for the festival's launch on May 11, 2024.

ECOFEST is a cultural initiative established by ECOWAS Heads of State and Government. It aims to promote the values and cultural identities of community members while strengthening regional integration through population blending. The festival will be officially launched on May 11, 2024, in Abidjan by H.E. Robert Beugre MAMBE, Prime Minister of Côte d’Ivoire, and H.E. Mrs Damtien L. TCHINTCHIBIDJA, Vice-President of the ECOWAS Commission. They will represent H.E. Dr Alieu Omar TOURAY, President of the ECOWAS Commission.

The Regional Organising Committee's meeting will serve multiple purposes beyond finalising ECOFEST's launch preparations. It will also provide an opportunity to examine planned activities, validate communication strategies, mobilise additional financial resources, update the event’s roadmap and plan actions with the National Organising Committee. Responsibilities will be allocated among various ECOFEST organising committees and host infrastructures will be validated.

H.E. Ms Françoise REMARCK, Côte d’Ivoire’s Minister of Culture and Francophonie officially opened the meeting of the ECOFEST Regional Organising Committee. Professor Fatou SOW SARR, ECOWAS Commissioner for Human Development and Social Affairs, and Mr Gustave DIASSO, UEMOA Resident Representative were also present, representing Mr Mamadu Serifo JAQUITE, UEMOA Commissioner for Human Development.

The ECOFEST Regional Organising Committee comprises several commissions, including renowned experts and specialists in cultural events organisation, performing arts, visual arts, cinema, fashion and arts and crafts in West Africa. Experts from the UEMOA and ECOWAS Commissions are also members of the committee.